Government

The number of motorcycle deaths involving riders not wearing helmets in Michigan is up. According to the latest report from the Governors Highway Safety Association, 60 people died in motorcycle accidents in the state in 2013 compared to 55 the year before. Michigan’s mandatory helmet law was changed two years ago and now allows riders with additional medical coverage, safety …

Deputies from the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department are investigating a suspicious fire that occurred Sunday evening in Nottawa Township. According to a department press release, illegally dumped trash at the Evans Lake Public Access was set on fire. The fire then spread to surrounding brush. The suspect vehicle is a white Ford F150, extended cab. The public access is …

An investigation is now underway after police shot and killed an armed robbery suspect after he opened fire on them in Niles late Friday night. Niles Police, Michigan State Police, and Berrien County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a call of an armed robbery at a fast food restaurant. Investigators say the suspect identified as 39-year old Eddie Macon Jr. of …

An inmate at the St. Joseph County Jail is dead after he hanged himself Thursday afternoon. Sheriff Brad Balk said Kenneth Huey, 43, of Three Rivers, was discovered in his cell shortly after returning from a court proceeding. The nature of the hearing centered on a domestic assault incident, Balk said. Jail personnel administered CPR and an automated external defibrillator …

A 30-year-old Fort Wayne, Ind., woman was arrested Wednesday afternoon following a rollover crash. The incident occurred on Fawn River Road near Mill Pond Road in White Pigeon Township. Police said the woman was driving east toward Sturgis when she swerved to miss an animal in the road and lost control of the vehicle, which struck two trees. The driver …

The Sturgis Police Department recently presented awards to its personnel for various honors. The Professional Service Award was given to Det./Sgt. Ryan Banaszak. He was selected for the honor by Director of Public Safety Geoff Smith. Meritorious Service Award recipients were Sgt. Jeremy Marsh, and officers Brian Cooper and Frank Noel. The award was presented for their part in a …

A pellet gun, two swords, a safe and old coins were stolen earlier this week from a residence in Mendon Township. Deputies from the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department are investigating the incident, which occurred between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesday in the 51000 block of Cove Road.

A Union man was killed in a traffic crash Thursday morning shortly after 8:00 on Old M-205 near Five Points Road in Mason Township. The Cass County Sheriff’s Department identified the victim as 54-year-old Jon Stone. He and a passenger, Donald Bardo, age 48, of Union, were reportedly southbound on Five Points Road, when Stone apparently failed to stop at …

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder visited Armstrong International Monday, addressing area business leaders and key Armstrong personnel. Snyder focused on the state of the economy in Michigan during his one-hour visit and speech. Snyder cited the importance of education, deteriorating roads, health care and creating more jobs as areas of consideration moving forward in his role as governor. He also commended …

A single-vehicle accident in Cass County this week resulted in injuries to a 19-year-old Marcellus man. Sheriff Joe Underwood Jr. said his office was called Tuesday to investigate a personal-injury crash in Penn Township. The victim, Jacob High, was southbound on Ely Road, when his vehicle ran off the roadway and struck a tree.  High was transported by ambulance to …